Cleo Manago directed Trailer

B-MADD

Erika Kayne

Los Angeles – Event host Kevin Rouse, alongside partners Darryl Pitts, Chuckie Miller, Marva King and Dantae Dupree, are gearing up for a live weekend amid the momentum of the “BET Experience” happening in Los Angeles in late June. On Saturday, June 28, the promotional crew will present the beautiful actress Wendy Raquel Robinson, television’s popular Tasha Mack from BET’s hit series “The Game,” as the host of their “The City of Angels Celebrity Red Carpet Experience,” to be held at the Bonaventura Brewing Company, 404 S. Figueroa Street, 4th Floor in Downtown Los Angeles, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Robinson will be joined by KJLH radio personality, Kevin Nash, recognized at the voice of BET on the BET Awards and the Celebration of Gospel shows. Former Death Row artist Danny Boy will also perform his new single.

“A bevy of big name talent will descend upon Los Angeles this particular weekend,” explains Rouse, who along with Pitts and Miller boasts a roster of events that includes “The Annual Elegant New Year’s Eve by the Sea,” “L.A. Nights” and “Legends of Hip Hop.” “This event is a cumulative effort of some of L.A.’s finest party planners as we offer a spectacular presentation that all of the city’s professionals can be a part of. Our very special guest of honor, the delightful Wendy Raquel Robinson is joining us, so I’m sure we can anticipate several of her celebrity friends dropping in that night as well.”

Bottle service and VIP tables are available. Drink specials and complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Attendees from the BETfestivities will receive a $15 discount by showing their ticket stubs.

London, England – Like a simmering plate of succulent seafood paella, Spain native Grace Rodson is serving a mouth watering concoction of Latin flavors with her debut release “Samba in My Bones” from Global Media Group and JFM Records. Skillfully stirring the flavors of flamenco, Latin, funk, Celtic and yes, samba in her delectable pot seasoned with a pop music base, Rodson sizzles as an engaging new international artist with an enchanting look and sound.

“Samba in her Bones” is a tantalizing dish of nine original recipes for dance, straight from Rodson’s heart. Performed with the intention to incite uninhibited movement, Rodson’s luscious vocals carry the listener into a realm of whirling, syncopated rhythms. While the title track sways with Brazilian heat and intensity, moving sonic beats through the air, “Way of Life” is an uptempo concoction that sprinkles in a dash of fervent hip hop flow from UK rapper T. Smith. Rodson sweetens the offering with “It Will Rain,” a seductive and sensual serenade that pulses, sways and swings with compassion. “Everything,” another entree on the menu, is a beautiful ballad that renders strength and hope.

A native of Galicia, Spain, currently living in London, Grace Rodson is a product of the music she was surrounded by as a child. “Galicia is a land of migrants. I grew up listening to salsa, cumbia, merinque and bachata.” Expresses Grace, “My great-grandparents lived in Cuba and Texas, my aunties in Venezuela and Brazil, my grandparents, mother and uncle in Argentina. So I am a wonderful smorgasbord of Latin sound, dance and rhythm. ‘Samba in My Bones’ is a celebration of the diversity in the varied cultures around me with movement being the common denominator. Music and dance are the essence of my expression. For me this project is a journey of my love stories and music is my ultimate love!”

Grace Rodson was the winner of the GSD Latin Music Awards 2011 in the categories of Best Album, Best Female Singer and Best Song. She tours and performs throughout Europe and is a singer and bandleader for Yes!!! Brazil Show, a Latin-Brazilian group. She is also the bandleader for “The Godfather of Salsa in the United King, Roberto Pla and his Latin Ensemble, who are known as the best salsa band in Europe.

Oklahoma City – When rapper Eminem made his 1999 debut with the ground breaking hit “My Name Is” from his “The Slim Shady LP” project, he turned the music scene upside down and positioned himself as the “Rap God” he is today. Fifteen years later, female rapper Amber Glass is vying for the “Rap Goddess” throne. Spitting fierce lyrical fury with feminine flow, the new artist, from Power Moves Media, pays tribute to the rap legend with a bold, unapologetic remake of his “My Name Is” single via a vibrantly viscious video release. With a brilliant display of in-your-face imagery, twisted flavor and seductive finesse, the video and the song mimic the original track but with a wild woman twist !

Influenced by Eminem, Tupac and Nas, Amber started rapping at the age of 17. Working her way around the local hip hop scene in Oklohoma City, Power Moves Media artist Young Star initially took note of her skills and convinced Nitro to sign her.

“Amber Glass is indicative of what Power Moves Media is all about. She shatters your perceptions of her when she opens her mouth to rhyme. Her verses knock out the competition. She is spearheading our roster of releases, paving the path for the power moves we have planned,” notes Nitro.

“My Name Is” was shot in Phoenix, Arizona and directed by Carlos Berber. The video is a scene by scene reenactment of the original “My Name Is” video, with Amber swapping out Eminem’s moniker for her own and tweaking the lyrics with her own risqué rants. “My Name Is” pops with the same zany antics as the original release but resonates with 2014 sensibility.

“For me as a white girl, Eminem was a powerful reflection growing up. He showed me what I had the potential to do. He kicked down walls and built up new ones. I’m not trying to be a female Eminem though, I just wanted to pay homage to him for making a way for artists like me. If is sees “My Name Is,” project I hope it makes him proud because he was a great inspiration to me.”

Minneapolis -”The Producer’s Corner with Spud Too Tight,” a renowned celebrity music production and tech talk show since 2009, paid special homage to legendary icon Teddy Riley with a special in-depth interview with singer, songwriter Darryl Easterling ask Tiger Da Writer during the show’s most recent installment. Tiger Da Writer recaps his career as Riley’s former A&R consultant during the 30-minute video production with host Spud Too Tight, with both acknowledging Riley’s vast musical contributions and unwavering support for their professional pursuits.

Tiger Da Writer shares how Riley opened up his home to him in 2008 and soon after offered him an opportunity to serve as an A&R consultant. The position served as impetus for a list of esteemed accomplishments throughout his career. “Teddy Riley advised me to never rush your music, let it come, keep it simple but never erase a track as it is like throwing away millions,” disclosed Tiger Da Writer.

Tiger Da Writer was signed early on to producer Easy Mo Bee as a recording artist, and has worked with Montel Jordan and Mario and wrote “Highway To Love.” In 2009 he worked with producer Sir Jinx and wrote and performed the hook to Ice Cube’s “Life in California” on the “I AM The West” album. The album was released in 2010. He has since launched his own company, M&T A&R Consulting LLC.

Music producer and composer Spud Too Tight details how the King of New Jack Swing changed
his life musically and technically by providing him a new blue print of how to run studio. Spud Too Tight converted from MAC to PC based on Riley’s mentoring and advice. “After several personal conversations, Riley gained an understanding of me as a producer and tech guru. He then amazingly gifted me with a music library of every sound unimaginable! I could never put a price tag on what he did for me and I will be forever grateful,” reveals Spud Too Tight.

Spud Too Tight and Tiger Da Writer explore the true definition of New Jack Swing and examine how contrasting music worlds were merged to birth this new genre of music in the late 80′s. They review the legacy and impact of the creation today. Both men agree that the Grammy award-winning Riley is a true music scientist who has nurtured the success of R&B, urban, hip hop and even pop music with a legacy that will reign forever. They conclude in the conversational tribute that there can be no real discussion about music without acknowledging and attributing Teddy Riley.

“Grammy Platinum Icon Teddy Riley has respectfully earned the title ‘The King of New Jack Swing.’ There is an innovative and technical driving force that continues to flow within this musical genius architect, bringing only the most prolific legendary signature sound to the multi-genre masses, historically and in today’s music market place,” cites Monica Anders, PR Strategist for Teddy Riley. From composing and producing R&B, hip hop and pop and as the first African American producer to bring K-Pop to the USA, his schedule remains non-stop in the studio as he continues to perform sellout concerts worldwide with his new group BS2 which include members Lenny Harold, Tony Tyler, J-Stylz and Dave Hollister.

As a tech genius, he has conducted technical education demonstrations for several years at NAMM for companies such as PreSonus and AKAI among others. He has more than 1000 credits to his name since 1987, producing, writing and performing on countless No.1 hits such as Keith Sweat’s “Make it Last,” Bobby Brown’s, “My Prerogative,” Blackstreet’s “No Diggity,” and Michael Jackson’s multi-Grammy award winning LP “Dangerous.” “Dangerous” sold more than 35 million copies worldwide and has been listed as the most successful “New Jack Swing” album of all time.

Cleveland, OH – Although the incarceration of celebrities like Lil Kim, Da Brat, DMX, Lindsay Lohan, and a host of others, have made “serving time” acceptable in today’s culture, formerly incarcerated R&B/Hip Hop songstress, Erika Kayne, is determined to make sure young people know the real deal about the conditions in prison and don’t get caught up in the hype.

Kayne, a second-generation offender who did a one-year bid for weapons charges, today released a public service announcement (PSA), “Think Before You Act,” expressing the shame and humiliation associated with being locked away in hopes of inspiring young people to make better life decisions.

“My biological father has been incarcerated since I was an infant. Then, the bad choices I made caused me to hurt the person who means the most to me – my grandmother. I was so ashamed for her to visit me behind the glass,” said Kayne. “Most of us don’t have it like Martha Stewart or Wesley Snipes, so it’s not easy to get back on track once you have a criminal record. It’s important to think before you act and not make hasty decisions that can change your life forever and possibly create a vicious cycle for your children,” the Cleveland, Ohio native adds.

Produced and directed by Talkeye Jackson, for Vyrus Films,a division of Vyrus Entertainment, “Think Before You Act” was released via social media in an effort to generate a viral campaign promoting positive choices. The gritty visuals show a real jail which helps dispel the absurd notion that prison is somehow glamorous.

Charles Farrar, president of Vyrus Entertainment and two-time Grammy Award winning producer known for hits like Tyrese’s “Sweet Lady,” and Boyz II Men’s “Cooley High Harmony,” comments, “Erika’s life experiences enable her to connect with young people who are at that fork-in-the-road where one bad choice can determine the rest of their life.”

Farrar continues, “Her struggle epitomizes the concept of redemption; just because you took the wrong road initially, doesn’t mean you can’t get back on the right path. Erika’s authenticity comes through in her work with young people as well as her music.”

Kayne’s current single, “Heart for Sale”, is an empowering love song with a mid-tempo track that tells a story of a young lady who gave her lying man several chances but he still broke her heart. She eventually kicks him to the curb and moves on. Men and women alike can relate to the songs catchy and realistic lyrics: “I’m putting your ass back out on the market….It’s a wrap now baby, you can drop the act now baby, go and pack now… I got a heart for sale….”

“The truth is, I’ve done wrong and got caught up, and I’ve been hurt in my personal relationships,” Kayne said. “But, I worked hard to turn my life around and I’m determined to end this vicious cycle for my family and anyone I can touch. As for my love life, I’m moving on and have a Heart for Sale.”

Atlanta, GA — The 2013 BronzeLens Film Festival’s “Women Superstars Luncheon” will roll out the red carpet for industry insiders, celebrities and aspiring filmmakers on hand to honor some of the most accomplished women of color working in the film and television industry. A coveted signature event during the five-day festival, the luncheon will take place Friday November 8, 2013, 12 noon – 2 PM at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel.

“We are excited about our powerful honorees this year. These women superstars demonstrate the diverse areas where women excel in the entertainment business,” said Kathleen Bertrand, executive producer of the BronzeLens Film Festival. “Whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera, these women continue to play an integral role with films that impact our lives.”

Designed to empower, entertain and educate attendees from various film industry disciplines, students and the general public, the BronzeLens Film Festival offers an array of expert panels, workshops, domestic and international film screenings and signature events.

In addition to a Monologue Slam featuring renowned director John Singleton, festival highlights include an encore presentation of legendary casting director and producer Reuben Cannon’s, “The Producers Roundtable” a groundbreaking session that brings together high-level entertainment executives to share their strategies for producing successful film and television projects. Participating producers include Jeff Clanagan, David Talbert, Lyn Talbert and Paul Hall.

The BronzeLens Film Festival takes place November 6-10. Visit www.bronzelensfilmfestival.com for more information and registration information.

About the BronzeLens Film Festival
Founded in 2009, The BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color, and to showcasing films and providing networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers. Since its inception the BronzeLens Film Festival has evolved as one of the most comprehensive film festivals for filmmakers of color in the United States.

Hollywood – For years Dr. Boogie has styled the locks of Hollywood’s rich and famous, including most recently the likes of Vivica Fox, Debbie Allen and Kym Whitley. His Dr. Boogie’s Do-It-Yourself Clip-On Hairpieces and his chemical-free, organic, all natural skin and hair products are also all the rage in Tinsel Town and beyond. However, what most don’t know is that the “hair stylist to the stars” has a special clientele that he has been privately catering to for years now. They are the women seeking shelter and support from the Jenesse Center, the oldest domestic violence intervention program in South Los Angeles.

The Jenesse Center is honoring Dr. Boogie as a “Hope Angel” during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, for his volunteer service of providing self-esteem building makeovers and glamour shot portraits to their clients as gifts. It is indeed star treatment for women who need it most.

“Dr. Boogie has made such a huge difference in the lives of Jenesse women and families. Many of our clients experience unbelievable stress and trauma from horrendous cases of battering, domestic violence and abuse. Dr. Boogie has a special magic for making the women feel loved, appreciated and yes, beautiful! We are just thrilled that he shares his gift so freely with us,” expresses Jenesse’s public relations representative, Jeanine Taylor.

Dr. Boogie’s own experience with domestic violence goes back to his childhood. He recalls how he could make relatives around him feel better when they were suffering from instances of abuse. “Often times I would see those close to me sad, hurting and crying. I would do their hair and it always seemed to help raise their spirits. I came to understand that on a very deep level, when you look good it helps you to feel better. I understand on a personal level the trials the women who come to the Jenesse Center are experiencing. Bringing a little sunshine into their lives probably makes me happier than them! I love being able to share my gift, it is honestly the best part of what I do throughout my career.”

In addition to his work at the Jenesse Center, Boogie has been busy styling OWN-TV’S Kym Whitley as well as working with Vivica Fox on her syndicated show, “Mr. Box Office” and Lifetime’s “Prank My Mom.” He is also one of Sophisticate’s Black Hair Styles & Care Guide’s celebrity hair consultant experts.

Orlando, FL – When renowned radio personality Michael Baisden posted “A real man takes care of his kids no matter what the relationship is with the mother of the child,” on his Facebook page, he never anticipated the over nine million views or one million plus likes and comments he received as feedback! The overwhelming response prompted him into immediate action. A diehard advocate for mentoring since 2010 with his “One Million Mentors National Campaign to Save Our Kids” 72-city tour, Baisden has now launched a new initiative, the “One Dream One Team” Mentoring Initiative. His specific goal is to help recruit African American male mentors for the 12,000 African American boys on the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) waiting lists for a one-on-one mentor match.

A known social activist since his organizing of the 2007 Jena Six March and his work with the 2012 Trayvon Martin Rally, Baisden has always demonstrated a strong show of commitment via his actions. True to this trait, he has adopted a classroom of 28 boys at Evans High School in Orlando, Florida to spearhead the “One Dream One Team” momentum. Baisden takes time out of his busy work schedule for a mentoring session with the students weekly.

In addition, the New York Times best-selling author and motivational speaker is hosting a special “One Dream One Team” Think Tank event in Orlando on October 26 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Venue sponsorship is provided by Mr. Harris Rosen of the Tangelo Park Project and attendees will include various African American fraternities, local and national organizations, community leaders and churches. The gathering is an orchestrated effort to strategize a plan for recruiting additional qualified male mentors. The boys on the national “waiting-to-be-matched” list average 14 years in age and the goal is to have mentors for all 12,000 within a year.

This is an urgent matter and an urgent call,” cites Baisden. “Too often we are quick to criticize the behavior of our young men but are slow to step up to correct them or show them a better example. You have to see a man to be a man, the question is, what are we showing them? These young men need us desperately. It only takes one hour of your time each week to positively impact and change some young man’s life. We can’t afford to say no and we cannot ignore this issue. Their lives and yes, their futures are depending on it!”

Outside of his career as a radio personality, Michael Baisden has always mobilized around the issue of mentoring. His foundation was founded in 2005 as a non-profit organization that was formed to promote mentoring with a dedication to education, literacy and advancement in local communities. The foundation has donated half of the nearly one million dollars raised to mentoring organizations in over 70 cities nationwide with a goal to inspire caring adults to become responsible mentors. With that success “One Dream One Team” takes his personal mission even further.

Big Brothers Big Sisters acknowledged Baisden as one of its celebrity ambassadors in 2012 and presented him with The Michael Baisden Inspiration Award. The Baisden Inspiration award is now an annual honor given to individuals demonstrating consistent generosity and dedication to support the nationwide mentoring organization’s African American mentoring programs.

As a bestselling author, Baisden has always been an advocate of books and reading. His foundation has already purchased the first two books for his adopted classroom of young boys to read, “The Mis-Education of the Negro” by Carter G. Woodson and “The Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys” by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu.

Baisden shares a passionate testimony as to how books changed his life. “In ten short years, I went from driving trains in Chicago to becoming a four time best selling author, television talk show host and a nationally syndicated radio personality. Dreams do come true,” he reveals, “and that dream for me began when I opened a book. Books change lives and I’m living proof! I look forward to instilling these young men with dreams and I’m looking for 12,000 Black men to join me and do the same.”

About Michael Baisden

Michael Baisden is a best selling author, noted speaker and undeniably one of the most influential and engaging personalities in radio history. His meteoric rise to #1 redefined radio with a syndicated show heard in nearly 100 cities with millions of listeners. As a college dropout, former Air Force Sergeant, single parent and transit worker from the south side of Chicago, he wanted his life to mean something. That opportunity came when he stepped out on faith to live his dream of becoming a writer. That courageous step resulted in five best selling books with nearly two million in print and two stage plays. He is also a TV talk show host, film producer, social activist, philanthropist and founder of The Michael Baisden Foundation with a national mentoring partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The accomplished speaker makes it a point to promote mentoring at all of his engagements. Baisden’s newest book, “Raise Your Hand If You Have Issues,” will be released in October. Join the effort on Facebook, follow on Twitter, YouTube and online at www.BaisdenLive.com .

Author of “The World of Wigs, Weaves and Extensions,”
Toni Love Continues to Forge her Legacy
in the Hair Industry with Annual Conference

Atlanta – From Oprah Winfrey declaring “Let’s Talk Hair” on the latest cover of O Magazine; to the Kardashians sporting weaves and extensions; to any number of the reality show “Housewives” unabashedly wearing wigs; hair, hair care and hair loss has become big business. Toni Love has studied the trends and is an authoritarian on all things hair. The celebrated author of “The World of Wigs, Weaves and Extensions” will once again provide leadership, information and guidance to hair professionals from around the world as she presents her Third Annual Toni Love Hair Loss and Business Conference, October 6 and 7 at the Atlanta Airport Westin in Atlanta, GA.

The conference will specifically address issues concerning hair loss and baldness, a matter that affects millions of people regardless of age, race and gender. Though hair loss disease is not life threatening, The American Hair Loss Association has recognized that hair loss is a serious life altering condition that can no longer be ignored by the medical community and society as a whole.

The Toni Love Hair Loss and Business Conference will offer sessions for hair professionals covering topics that include bridging the gap between dermatology and cosmetology; learning how to develop relationships with doctors; interlocking hair extensions and covering bald spots without braids and glue; starting a business, the steps for setting up a hair loss center and more.

“I am passionate about hair,” reveals Toni. “Whether you are a man or a woman, hair is our crowning glory. I am driven to infuse hair professionals with the proper tools, education and just as important, the mind set, to handle issues of hair loss with their clients. The Hair Loss and Business Conference is a two day intensive that is loaded with valuable information, insight and perspective.”

With over 20 years in the hair industry, Toni Love’s Hair Loss and Business Conference is just one of the many assets which continue to propel her legacy as a definitive hair expert. An internationally recognized hair loss expert, Love’s book, “The World of Wigs, Weaves and Extensions” (Milady-Cengage Learning) is the ultimate guide that uncovers the secrets to top-notch hair and wig care. Her popular manual, “Tips to Passing the Cosmetology State Board,” was a ‘must have’ for students of cosmetology, and her instructional DVD’s: “Keeping Cutting Simple,” “Interlocking Hair Extensions: No Braids! No Glue!” and “Hair Replacement: Covering Bald Areas,” are specifically designed for cosmetology students and professionals who want to be at the top of their game.

In addition, Love has designed a hair care program specifically for use with hair of all ethnicities. Toni Love’s Hair Cleansing System uniquely regenerates hair and stimulates growth starting at the root. The three-step product line consists of a residue remover, a hair and scalp cleanser, and a hair and scalp conditioner.

Toni Love has an extensive background in Business Management and obtained her master’s degree in Continuing Education. She holds instructor licenses in Cosmetology and Barbering and is a certified Hair Loss Specialist in addition to hair consultant and published author. Love is certified through the American Cancer Society, teaching “Look Good Feel Better” cancer patients how to cope with their hair loss as they go through chemotherapy.

A graduate of the Hair Design Academy, and a veteran, United States Army Reserves, Love has taught a variety of students in both private and public institutions. She is also the founder of Toni Love’s Training Center in Atlanta, GA, a thriving oasis for professional cosmetologists who are passionate about learning the latest techniques in hair maintenance and hairstyles. In addition, her advance knowledge of hair loss and her weave training courses position her as a go-to-source for the all-things-hair when the media seeks expert input.

Love continues to keep the hair community updated and informed blogging and hosting The Toni Love Show which airs on her YouTube channel. For updates on current hair tips and trends, as well as hair options for cancer patients and survivors she offers an online membership group at http://www.TheToniLoveGroup.com.

Los Angeles – The beautiful athlete and television personality Laila Ali will inspire the hearts of many when she hosts the 20 year anniversary of the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant (LMAA) on Sunday, August 4, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Pageant producer Lisa Ruffin has planned a luminous affair for her participants and attendees this year with a host of celebrity judges that include ABC-TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy” stars Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, Jr., OWN TV star Kym Whitley from “Raising Whitley,” Nicklelodean’s Arjay Smith and “Girlfriends” Golden Brooks. The Wilshire Ebell is located at 743 S. Lucerne Blvd. in Los Angeles, south of Wilshire Blvd. Tickets are available at www.Littlemissafricanamericaninc.org and at the Wilshire Ebell box office.

LMAA Judges top to bottom, left to right: Chandra Wilson; James Pickens, Jr.; Kym Whitley and Arjay Smith

The Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant has served as one of the nation’s most astute educational programs dedicated to empowering young African American women between the ages of 6 and 12 with the concepts of CAP – Confidence, Awareness and Pride. Lisa Ruffin, an actress and choreographer, has successfully utilized the pageant format to introduce girls from around the country to the arts, introduce them to public speaking and engage them in individual creativity.

The full curriculum encompasses a summer program of coaching, guest lectures and demonstrations on the heritage of the African America experience. The young ladies are tutored in voice projection, poise, body movement and memory technique by instructors from the worlds of art, entertainment and education.

The pageant has seen a host of celebrity participation over the years including LL Cool J, Jamie Foxxand Taraji P. Henson . Jay Leno even paid a holiday visit to Ruffin and the pageant participants last Christmas, acknowledging the wonderful work Ruffin has done over the years with a surprise visit from China Ann McClain, the star of the Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm” and Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne.” and

This year’s host, Laila Ali is especially fitting for the vision of LMAA. The mother of two, Ali is a world-class athlete, fitness and wellness expert, cooking enthusiast and the founder of the Laila Ali Lifestyle Brand. The daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali, Laila is also a four-time undefeated world boxing champion. In addition to her work as a cast member of NBC’s highly touted reality program “Stars Earn Stripes” where she competed to raise money for a charity that supports veterans and their children, Laila hosts ABC-TV’s “Everyday Health.”

Pageant creator/producer Lisa Ruffin
“I get ecstatic and teary eyed when I think about all the young lives we have been able to touch over a span of 20 years,” offers Ruffin. “There are grown women as well as young girls out there in the world who we have positively influenced and I am just extremely grateful.”
Tickets are available at www.Littlemissafricanamericaninc.org and at the Wilshire Ebell box office.

For a visual overview of the pageant and its impact on contestants, go to

Philadelphia – When former Black Mafia widow Thelma Wright released her book, “With Eyes From Both Sides – Living My Live In and Out of the Game,” co-penned with C. Alease, she divulged the tumultuous ups and downs of her life as a real life ‘mob wife.’ Now readers and television viewers alike will have the opportunity to see Wright tell her story on Tuesday night, June 25 at 10:00 p.m. EST, when the episode “Philly’s Gangster Queen: Thelma Wright” airs on the Biography Channel hit series, “Gangsters: America’s Most Evil.”

Thelma Wright was legendary as reputedly the most dangerously powerful Black woman in Philadelpha. As the wife of Jackie Wright, a top heroin dealer in the city, she was intricately connected with the Black Mafia, a gang that operated Philly’s drug trade throughout 1970 and into the 1980′s. Once widowed, and left as the young mother of a toddler son, she discreetly took over his business, running a bi-coastal drug empire, unbeknownst to family and friends around her.

Recognized by her distinguished, sparkling green eyes, Wright ruled the streets with incredible savvy and disarming charm. Yet, very few knew the real sadness and confusion in her heavy heart. While “With Eyes From Both Sides – Living My Life In and Out of the Game,” reveals Wright’s more intimate memories and angst as a women torn between two worlds, “Gangsters: America’s Most Evil” is a documentary styled presentation connecting the details of her criminal enterprise. During the show, Wright, alongside family, friends and law enforcement experts lend credence to her rule over a criminal enterprise normally dominated by men.

Wright’s street reign was notorious. She grossed top dollars and lavishly lived the high life. Championship fights via private jets, European shopping sprees, customized Mercedes Benz cars, cruises to the Bahamas and even speed boating in Miami were mere footnotes in a lifestyle many envied. But everything that glitters is not gold and Wright is open and honest when revealing the dark side.

Wright’s background sets her apart from the typical tales of abuse and abandonment. In fact, she is quick to acknowledge that it was the strength of good parenting and strong family ties that laid her solid foundation and saw her through her darkest days. The product of a middle working class Black family, she attended Catholic school, was a star athlete as a child and was well provided for. It was romance and love that entangled her with one of the Black underworld’s most notorious gangs.

Today she is far removed from her former lifestyle and dedicated to keeping young women off the path she trekked. Her memoir is a source of motivation and encouragement and she spends her time touring and speaking before women’s groups, non-profit organizations and at book signings. Wright has presented as the keynote speaker at the Riverside Correctional Facility, a female prison in Philadelphia, lectured for criminal justice classes at various Penn State College campuses, encouraged audiences at The FFAWN Mary J. Blige Center in Yonkers, New York, as well as made motivational appearances at several schools and communities throughout her city.

“Most are not fortunate enough to survive the wicked lure of the streets, but fast money and fast living is not a comparable trade off for jail or being murdered. I am blessed beyond measure to have survived both and live to tell about it. My passion and fury now is to keep our young people, particularly women, away from the insanity, turmoil and desperation that awaits them when they take that route. Education not incarceration is the key. I can’t say it enough times, and it might sound like a cliché but crime does not pay, only living a righteous life does.”

Hollywood, CA – Before there was Snoop Lion there was Snoop Dogg aka the Doggfather, one of hip hop’s most iconic figures. And though the rap legend has rebranded and refocused his image, it is no secret that he made his original mark by getting “buckwild.” In fact, the rapper is quoted in a recent issue of Rolling Stone magazine (May 23, 2013) reminiscing about his former ‘pimp’ days and an actual prostitution ring he ran during his Playboy tour in 2003. Former Playboy TV producer Ken Francis rolled exclusively with Snoop Dogg during that time and others, capturing and recording some of the artist’s most notorious moments in hip hop history via his trusty camera lens.

Now he reveals the details and drama, along with the mad fun, insanity and angst of those long gone days in his new book, “My Buckwild Adventures with Snoop Dogg – Poppin’ Bottles with Models Touring Around the World” Edited by Maxim Magazine editor, Joel Randell, “My Buckwild Adventures with Snoop Dogg” is a tell all tale that encapsulates life on the road with one of hip hop’s most celebrated characters. The smoke, the women, the music and the celebrities all come together in this vivid recount of what used to make the newly named lion roar!

With “My Buckwild Adventures with Snoop Dogg,” Francis recalls those times and more, reliving first hand his experiences within the music industry and his life as Snoop Dogg’s personal biographer. With never before published anecdotes about Russell Crowe, Anna Nicole Smith, Ray J and Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCapricio, Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, a young Carmelo Anthony and Bishop Don Juan to name just a few, Francis takes the reader on the road, in the green room, down the red carpet, behind the rope to VIP and around the world with insights and revelations about life with Snoop.

Ken Francis and Snoop surrounded by models.
Photo credit: Joel Payne

More than just another celebrity spill all however, “My Buckwild Adventures with Snoop Dogg” uncovers the mind and spirit of Francis as a man on his own path of evolution and redemption. Beyond the hype, he discovers that a continual diet of sex, drugs and ego is not all that it appears.

“I tell myself I’m going to quit working with Snoop and sever the proverbial umbilical cord to him and this celebrity lifestyle I’ve become accustomed to. The money, the fame, the women… well maybe not all the women, but seriously most of it needs to be left behind. Kicked to the curb. Stopped cold turkey like a bad habit. I can do it, and I will right after tonight…,” Francis begins in his opening chapter as he chronicles his journey down the hip hop rabbit hole.

Snoop and Ken Francis – back in da’ day. Photo Credit: Joel Payne

Francis’ own personal hip hop adventure is also urban legend status. Written while behind the walls of a federal penitentiary in Fort Worth, TX, Francis once ruled Hollywood’s hip hop scene with his camera. An original underground video veteran, Francis’ early productions included the “Buckwild Beach Week,” “Buckwild in Brazil,” and “Buckwild 2001″ DVD productions that were the first to showcase the beauty of women of color back when the “Girl’s Gone Wild” series was ignoring them.

It was also Francis who introduced hip hop programming to Playboy TV with his original series “Buckwild.” The shows highlighted uncensored videos and interviews from the likes of OutKast, Snoop Dog, Busta Rhymes, Lil’ Jo and the Eastside Boys, the Ying Yang Twins, Loon and Treach from Naughty by Nature. Real hip hop heads still own the Playboy TV DVD classic “Snoop Dogg’s Buckwild Bus Tour” which Snoop referenced in his Rolling Stone interview. Francis directed and produced the project.

A 15-year entertainment industry veteran who worked his way up from an ambitious intern at Polygram Records to owning and operating the hip-hop industry’s most sought-after video vixen modeling agency, Dimepiece USA, Francis furnished countless models for the music videos of superstar artists like Usher, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Nelly and many others.The operation of Dimepiece USA saw his eventual demise however when he was convicted for the agency’s involvement in an international drug smuggling ring.

“My Buckwild Adventures with Snoop Dogg – Touring the World, Poppin’ Bottles with Models” is a must read for anyone wanting to know not only what’s real in hop hop, but also yearning for truth. Ken Francis has seen it all and done it all. And now with nothing but time on his hands, he serves it up straight, no chaser.

“My Buckwild Adventures with Snoop Dogg – Poppin’ Bottles with Models Touring Around the World” is available as an eBook on Amazon.com and wherever eBooks are sold. The print edition will be available June 20, 2013 at http://www.LeNoirPublications.com.